Belarusian President Lukashenko Accepts Trump's Invitation to Gaza 'Board of Peace' Initiative

Trump Extends Invitation to Belarusian Leader

Former United States President Donald Trump has reportedly invited Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to become a founding member of his proposed Gaza 'Board of Peace' initiative. The invitation was confirmed by Belarus's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which stated that President Lukashenko has responded positively and is prepared to participate in the new international body.

The 'Board of Peace' Initiative

The 'Board of Peace' is an intergovernmental organization proposed by Donald Trump in September 2025 and officially established on January 15, 2026. Chaired by Trump himself, the board's stated purpose is to 'promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.' Its specific mandate, welcomed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 in November 2025, is to support the administration, reconstruction, and economic recovery of the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the recent conflict.

International Participation and Membership Structure

Beyond President Lukashenko, invitations have been extended to numerous other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as leaders from countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Turkey, Egypt, Canada, Thailand, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The initiative features a multi-tiered structure, comprising a main Board of Peace, an Executive Board, and a Gaza Executive Board. Reports indicate that a permanent membership on the board requires a $1 billion contribution, which would be allocated towards the reconstruction efforts in Gaza, while a three-year non-permanent membership is offered without a financial requirement.

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in confirming Lukashenko's acceptance, noted that the invitation was 'reported to the President... and received positively,' signaling his acceptance as a founding member. The ministry expressed that Belarus 'highly appreciated' the proposal, viewing it as recognition of the country's international standing and Lukashenko's personal role. They also conveyed a hope that the organization's scope would eventually expand beyond its initial focus on Gaza.

Reactions and Broader Context

The establishment of the 'Board of Peace' and its broad invitations have elicited varied reactions. While some nations have expressed interest or accepted, the initiative has also faced criticism. Some observers have characterized the board as a 'board of colonial administration, run by war criminals and kleptocrats.' Furthermore, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the board's announcement 'was not coordinated with Israel' and 'runs contrary to its policy.'